BMT - Dally Gap to Big Frog Mountain

The Benton MacKaye Trail is a nearly 300 mile long trail starting at Springer Mountain, weaving through Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina before ending in the GSMNP just past Big Creek. Often considered more difficult than the adjacent sections of the AT, this trail presents plenty of challenge and adventure. Join me as I dayhike the BMT, one section at a time.

This hike will find us in the Cohutta Wilderness in Georgia. We will start at Dally Gap where a large parking area will greet us. Dally Gap can be difficult to find, please look at the "Directions" section below. We wil start on the Hemptop trail for less than a mile where it intersects with the BMT, a right turn will get us headed towards Big Frog. The first 5 miles of this hike consist of a gentle incline, once we hit the Tennessee border we start our only tough climb of the day. We will gain about 1000 feet in 1.2 miles... a serious climb. This will get us to the top of Big Frog where we will enjoy our lunch and think about the long descent back to our cars.

We should have great winter views of the surronding wilderness as we make our way.

This is a difficult D5 hike, recent D5 experience is required to join the fun. Under experienced hikers will be moved to the wait list as they await an email from the TL.

We will meet at Dally Gap at 8:30. Several miles of gravel road driving is required.

Click here for Trailhead location

After SR 2 becomes gravel, travel approximately 1 mile.  The turn off to Service Road 22-2 is incorrect on GPS. It is an acute right turn to a steep service road that has a sign for Hemp Top and Jacks River Trails. The sign is only visible if you look over your right shoulder...